America's Heartland is home to some of the world's most productive farmland, but this bounty comes with a price At a crossroads, the future health of America's agricultural lands and waters depends upon a combination of solutions Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story traces the development of America's bountiful harvest and its effect on the legendary river. Excess nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers are contaminating the nation's waters at the same time that precious soils wash away. Farmers, scientists and citizens are seeking solutions that help meet the goals of an ambitious, food-producing nation while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of its most precious natural resources. Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story examines the "unintended consequences" of farming practices on water quality, soil loss and the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico. Knitting together federal energy, farm and environmental policies, the film makes a compelling case for the revamping of US agricultural policy. It also helps viewers to grasp what is a profound truth - that a single drop of water in the Upper Midwest is connected to the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico. Through beautiful photography and inspiring narrative, the film puts deliberate emphasis on solutions and provides a hopeful blueprint for progress and positive change.